The Windsor Police Service is mourning the loss of Police Service Dog "VAHLTER" as a result of being seriously injured during a training exercise on Monday night.  VAHLTER was participating in a daily routine training exercise at 10:30 p.m. Monday night at the Windsor Police Training Facility when he failed to negotiate a training obstacle and sustained an injury.  His handler, Constable Paul Brothers, a ten year veteran of the Windsor Police Service, observed the dog to be experiencing some discomfort and immediately transported VAHLTER to the Walker Road Animal Hospital for treatment.  VAHLTER was kept overnight at the hospital but passed away at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday February 2, 2010 as a result of suffering severe internal injuries.

VAHLTER was a 2 1/2 year old Belgian Malinios breed who had logged 13 months of dedicated service with the Windsor Police Service at the time of his passing.  This breed originated from the Netherlands and has been a popular breed used in Law Enforcement world wide. 

VAHLTER was involved in a large number of arrests during his service time and Constable Brothers characterized his partner in saying that "not only was he a excellent Police Service Dog but he was a valued member of  our family and he'll be sorely missed."

There will be no formal service honouring PSD VAHLTER however a plaque commemorating his valued service time will be installed at the Windsor Police Service Training Facility in the future.  A picture of VAHLTER and his handler Constable Paul Brothers will follow this release shortly.

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